Mel Asberry
Mel Asberry is an experienced Designated Airworthiness Representative specializing in Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft. He and his wife, Ann, have built seven amateur-built airplanes including two ultralight types, a Moni Motorglider, a Dragonfly Mk2, two RV-6s and a Zenair CH 601HDS. They are currently building a scratch-built biplane.
Importing From Canada, N-Number Size
Question: I’m interested in buying a homebuilt out of Canada. Is this a difficult process? What should I be looking for? Answer: Bringing in a...
Repairman Certificate, Aerobatics, LSA Rules
Question: I have a question about the repairman certificate. Let’s say the FAA issues a repairman certificate to the owner/builder. After the airplane is...
Importing From Canada, Selling in Phase I
Question: There is this nice RV-4 available for sale in Canada. It’s been built by an experienced builder. They have flown the airplane for...
What’s the DAR’s Role?
Question: I know that you are active on the Van’s Air Force (VAF) site, so I thought I might direct some questions to you...
A Highly Modified Gyroplane and a Piper, Christavia, Bearhawk, Zenith Mashup?
Question: I am building a gyroplane from pieces of an RAF 2000. I will be building my own frame with dropped keel and main...
Changing the Propeller, Can I Add Seats?
Question: I am upgrading the propeller on my aircraft and was wondering if you might be able to help me out. My situation is...
Ask the DAR
Modifying different types of Light Sport Aircraft, updating Phase II operating limitations.
In Case You Missed it
Van’s RV-12
In typical fashion, Vans Aircraft refused to rest on its laurels after the RV-12s prototype debut last year, and sought to improve on an already good design. The new production airplane has changed (beyond its color), with a castering nosewheel, toe brakes instead of a grip, reshaped control sticks for better clearance, ground-adjustable seats fore and aft as well as in tilt, and the list goes on. Best of all, this day/VFR machine is still a delight to fly; by Ed Kolano.
Building a Tunable Carbon Fiber Induction Plenum
There’s always more to learn when increasing your engine’s horsepower output and optimizing volumetric efficiency.
Homebuilt Aircraft Insurance
Choosing insurance for your homebuilt can be a complex decision. Scott Smith breaks it down and explains what you need to keep your plane covered-at every stage.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir borrows a trick from the world of computers to provide a cool breeze to your radio stack.